The weekend dedicated to nature, hunting, fishing, and exploring new regions of Croatia and neighboring countries has come to an end. After three days filled with exciting activities, the 27th International Fair Nature, Hunting, Fishing, and Tourism concluded. The event was held from Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6, at the Varaždin Arena near the Drava River. This year's fair gathered around 80 exhibitors from Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria.
In addition to the sales section, the organizers, in collaboration with partners, prepared engaging and educational exhibitions. The Croatian Hunting Association Museum presented the exhibit "Taxidermied Wildlife of Croatian Regions," focusing on wetland habitats this year. A children’s corner was also set up, where kids could try archery, draw, and color animals.
Visitors could also explore a mushroom exhibition organized by the Mushroom Society Smrčak, showcasing around 100 mushroom species and offering tastings of mushroom-based products.
The Croatian Falconry Club introduced visitors to around 10 birds of prey, including well-known species like Eurasian eagle-owls, goshawks, and peregrine falcons. A special attraction for Saturday’s visitors was a magnificent golden eagle.
This year, visitors could also undergo preventive health screenings at the booth of the association for lung cancer patients, “Kaj sad?” On Sunday, members of the Nordic Walking Club introduced this healthy activity to interested attendees.
Another highlight was a bonsai tree exhibit by the Bonsai Association "Northwest." Additionally, Josip Horvat presented over 70 species of freshwater fish through 35 panels.
As in previous years, the Croatian Kennel Club organized a hunting dog show on Sunday, featuring over 40 dogs.
An outdoor attraction was the hunting stew competition held on Saturday, October 5, with 21 teams from Croatia and Slovenia participating.
The most successful team was from the Hunting Society "Šljuka" Petrijanec, winning a cash prize of 600 euros.
Second place went to the team from the Hunting Society "Trčka," while third place was secured by the Hunting Society Grebengrad Mađarevo.
The award for the best-equipped and organized workspace went to the team from Zelendvor Hunting Unit and the Hunting Society "Šljuka" Petrijanec, while the "most cheerful team" award was won by the Hunting Society "Mirna" Buzet.
On Saturday and Sunday, the traditional Fair Cup in clay target shooting was held in Ljubeščica.
The co-organizers of the fair were the Croatian Hunting Association and the Croatian Sports Fishing Association, which showcased their members' achievements and trophies in an exhibition booth.
The fair was supported by the City of Varaždin and Varaždin County, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries providing sponsorship. This year's partner county was Koprivnica-Križevci County, which presented its family farms and tourist offerings in a 90 m² booth.
